When I took one of my real first jobs after college, I was very self-absorbed, and a Ms. Know-it-all. Even though I had a commendable work ethic, I was closed to learning. I retaliated for every feedback and felt very entitled. One of my previous bosses even said recently that he was proud of what I became compared to this annihilating character I was.
Then, my egocentricity included tit for tat responses because I felt I was always right but I wasn’t, not asking for help, dismissing guidance and treating my direct supervisor like an emotional trash can. Yes, I was a jerk. Perhaps back then they didn’t make the assessments like we do today. But I remember my manager sitting me down for what may have been their last attempt to save me from being an utter failure.
Not that I became outright virtuous after this revalation. It was a long process that included more of listening than reacting, exhibiting compassion more than passion, thinking before speaking and assuming positive intent! When I started taking managerial roles years later, it was not about doing the right things but doing things right. Here were my first steps when I took my shot at being a manager.
1. Knowing my limitations and ask for help without feeling inferior
2. Making learning a continuous experience
3. Reducing ‘decision fatigue’ by not always wanting to be in the middle of things
4. Knowing that my boss will make decisions that I may not be privy to
5. Curtailing the savior mentality to inspire one and all
6. Taking care of my mental and physical health before I put ‘care’ first for my employees
7. Appreciating that I will fail a lot more than I want to but it is the journey that matters
8. Aiming not to be perfect but a work-in-progess
The importance of good managers is often cutback in the corporate kerfuffle. I have always been blessed by some amazing managers who imbibed in me that “Management is taught, while leadership is experienced!” When one is a good manager by thought and practice, being a leader is not far behind.
QUOTIDIAN BLESSING 